Wednesday, June 17, 2009
8:50 AM

We've got one week to go to Julie's due date! This child that will soon enter our lives is wonderful evidence of God's grace, our third miracle. I will take my summer vacation the moment that he or she comes, and so will take a break from my time at the Fox. Borrowing from the lyrics to "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt & Beth Redman, "Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise!"

I have yet to post my notes for the Tough Times iMix. I will do that next, but first want to recount a wonderful worship experience with my congregation on Sunday. One of the songs on the iMix is an acoustic version of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," by Jadon Lavik. Right now his "Roots Run Deep" hymn project is the music that is filling our lives. Jadon does an excellent job on every song and I highly recommend the project to you. Jadon Lavik, "Roots Run Deep"

The message on Sunday was on prayer, from James 5:13-16. (Here's the link to our Pastor Gary's message, What About Healing (6.14.09).) We sang this song together right before the message - and boy did we all sing out! I think you can almost hear the congregation coming through our stage mics. (What a Friend ~ Live) I knew that we were all touched by the presence of God with us when afterwards there was complete silence - no applause, just a profound moment of unity in the presence of God. Hymns that have endured the ages are a treasure given to God's people - building the body of Christ, generation upon generation. I'm thankful for artists like Jadon Lavik who present these treasured worship songs in a way that appeals to this generation. Other hymn projects you may want to check out are:

Amy Grant: Rock of Ages ... Hymns of Faith

Fernando Ortega: Hymns & Meditations

Fernando Ortega: Hymns of Worship

Passion Band: Hymns Ancient & Modern